chapter-thirty-eight

Chapter 38

The fluorescent lights of the grocery store buzzed overhead as Jasmine strolled down the aisles, her mind still preoccupied with the strange encounter Dominic had just experienced. She wasn't fully aware of it, but something about the day felt heavy, like it was building up to something.

She picked up a few things—fresh fruit, vegetables, and some snacks for later—and tried to push the thoughts of Antonio, Dominic, and the strange man from earlier out of her mind.

It was supposed to be a simple errand, a chance to feel normal again, even for just a moment.

But as she turned the corner into the next aisle, her gaze collided with a familiar, unwanted figure.

Ethan Rodriguez.

Her ex.

The man who had once claimed her heart only to break it, leaving scars that still hadn't fully healed.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Jasmine's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her emotions with a calm exterior. She hadn't seen him in months, and she wasn't expecting this.

"Jasmine," Ethan said coolly, as if they hadn't once shared a life together. His voice was low, almost mocking, but there was a certain familiarity to it—one she couldn't ignore.

"Ethan," she replied flatly, her grip tightening on the handle of her cart.

He stepped closer, his eyes scanning her face with that calculating look she had grown so used to in their time together.

"You really think you've changed, huh?" he sneered, a cruel grin curling on his lips. "You're still the same. Still running from your own demons, still trying to be something you're not. You'll always be mine, Jasmine. You know that, right?"

Her chest tightened, the words like poison seeping into her veins.

"I'm not yours," she said, her voice unwavering despite the knots forming in her stomach. "I haven't been for a long time."

Ethan's smirk deepened. He leaned against the shelf nonchalantly, his arms crossed. "You can lie to yourself all you want, but I know the truth. No matter how much you try to hide or run, you'll always come back. You always do."

Jasmine's hands clenched into fists at her sides. She felt the familiar anger rise within her—the anger at herself for allowing him to have that kind of hold over her for so long.

"I'm not going back to you, Ethan," she said firmly, staring him down. "I've moved on. You can't manipulate me anymore."

Ethan's expression faltered, just for a split second, but it was enough to show that he hadn't anticipated her response. He narrowed his eyes. "You really think you're better than me now, don't you?"

Jasmine didn't answer, but her silence spoke volumes.

Before she could walk away, Ethan reached out, grabbing her wrist with surprising force. His grip was cold and possessive, but she immediately pulled back.

"Let go of me," she warned, her voice low but steady.

Ethan's eyes darkened, a glimmer of frustration crossing his features. "You don't get it, do you? You'll always belong to me. You can try to play the strong, independent woman, but deep down, you know where you'll always end up."

Jasmine's pulse quickened, but she stood her ground, resisting the urge to lash out at him. "I've learned from my mistakes, Ethan. I'm not who I was when we were together. I'm better than that. And I'm done with you."

She pulled her wrist free from his grip and took a step back. "Now, I'm leaving. And you're not going to stop me."

Ethan opened his mouth to say something else, but Jasmine didn't give him the chance. She turned on her heel and walked briskly away, heading toward the checkout counter.

Her heart was pounding, her emotions a mix of anger, frustration, and a deep, aching sadness. It wasn't about Ethan. It was about the years she had wasted—years she couldn't get back.

As she paid for her items, her mind continued to race.

She was free of him.

But would she ever truly be free of the past?